Fire hero gets award
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A WOMAN and four children in a burning Range-Rover probably owe their lives to Victor Matthews, a lorry driver employed by an RHA member. Although he was apparently concussed in an accident, he rescued them from the car, which had been involved in a multiple collision on the Ml.
Victor managed to pull a boy through a partially open side window but three children remained trapped in the rear compartment. One of them was strapped to a burning kiddies seat, which with a wrench came away, complete with child, in Victor's hands.
A girl who had been trapped under the kiddy's seat was also passed through a window, but the fourth child, who appeared to be in a critical condition, was held fast by her legs. She could not be released until the stunned driver was persuaded to get out and ease the pressure of her seat on the child's legs.
It was only when everyone had been rescued that Victor realised that his coat was on fire, His bravery had been recognised 16 months after the event by the Society for Protection of Life from Fire, on whose behalf Cllr. C. L. Hempsall, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, presented him with an award.